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Better understanding mathematics by algorithmic thinking and computer programming

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2020-11-04
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Copyright (c) 2020 Katalin Fried, István Fekete, Péter Princz

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Fried, K., Fekete, I., & Princz, P. (2020). Better understanding mathematics by algorithmic thinking and computer programming. Teaching Mathematics and Computer Science, 18(4), 295-305. https://doi.org/10.5485/TMCS.2020.0486
Abstract

Tamás Varga’s mathematics education experiment covered not just mathematics, but also other related topics. In many of his works he clearly stated that computer science can support the understanding of mathematics as much as mathematics supports informatics. On the other hand, not much later than the introduction of the new curriculum in 1978, personal computers started to spread, making it possible to teach informatics in classes and in extracurricular activities. Varga’s guided discovery approach has a didactic value for other age groups as well, not only in primary school. Its long-lasting effect can be observed even in present times. Having reviewed several educational results in the spirit of Tamás Varga, we have decided to present an extracurricular course. It is an open study group for age 12-18. Students solve problems by developing Python programs and, according to our experiences, this results in a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Subject Classification: 97B10, 97B20, 97D50, 97N80, 97P20, 97P30, 97P40, 97P50, 97U70